Shaun Burgoyne is one of those players who flies under the radar because he does his job week in, week out with little fuss.
But as has been the case for the past two years, there has been nothing quiet or subtle about the impact he’s had on Hawthorn in the 2012 and 2013 finals series.
In 2012 he was exceptional in the Preliminary Final against Adelaide with his clearance work and ability to use the ball well in pressure situations.
In 2013 he was exceptional because of his goal sense and ability to take his chances when they present, never faltering under the pressure of an intense and thrilling cut-throat final.
Burgoyne was the hero again for Hawthorn in the Preliminary Final, gathering 24 disposals, laying six tackles and booting three goals including the match-winner, which almost tore the inexistent roof off the MCG.
That game, along with his brilliant performance in the Qualifying and Grand Finals underlined why he’s such an important player for Hawthorn because of his ability to play in a variety of roles.
In an era where coaches look for versatility, Burgoyne is the prototype.
He spent most of his career as a clearance specialist with Port Adelaide before Alastair Clarkson developed him into a gun half back that can add to the Club’s midfield depth and even push forward with great effect.
Burgoyne probably had one of his better seasons in brown and gold since joining the Club at the end of 2009.
He played 23 of a possible 25 matches – missing two through suspension and was always one of the side’s most reliable contributors, averaging 20 disposals, 3.5 marks, 3.7 tackles and almost a goal a game.
The now 31 year old was probably surprisingly ranked fifth overall at the Club for total disposals behind Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis, Luke Hodge and Isaac Smith and ranked sixth for uncontested possessions.
Despite spending a lot of time across the back half with Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton, Brent Guerra and Josh Gibson providing run, Burgoyne still finished third overall for centre clearances and fifth for clearances.
Known to his teammates as “Silk” because of his elite ball use and probably known more by people outside the Club as an outside player who provides run and is an excellent kick, it may surprise many that Burgoyne actually ranked third at the Club for tackles behind only Brad Sewell and Luke Breust.
He was also ranked fifth this year for inside 50s.
In his best performances for the year, Burgoyne combined his ability to find the ball and use it well with his desire to apply pressure and tackle the opposition. He was never one to back away from a contest.
Often, his stats read 20 plus disposals and five plus tackles, which would have earned praise from his teammates and his coaches.
He was outstanding against Collingwood in Round 3 with 23 disposals and seven tackles and even better against the Dockers in Round 4 with 28 disposals and three tackles before gathering 20 touches and laying eight tackles against North Melbourne in Round 5.
Burgoyne was brilliant in the come-from-behind win over Gold Coast with 22 possessions and three goals and provided great leadership in that game, too.
His leadership was again on show in the disappointing loss to Richmond in Round 19 with 19 disposals and seven tackles.
The veteran had an outstanding finals series, averaging 21.3 disposals and 4.3 tackles, with his performance in the Preliminary Final clearly his best.
What Chris Fagan said: “He’s just a super team player who can play in a variety of roles.
“He was really important for us in different stages of the year across half back with his experience and then we were able to inject him into the midfield for some energy there and he usually delivered.
“Then we popped him up forward and he kicked goals as well – he is just such a valuable player and he had a really consistent year.”
Burgoyne in the news in 2013
- Privileged Burgoyne re-signs
- We’ve got the belief: Burgoyne
- We’ve set up our season: Burgoyne
Videos featuring Burgoyne in 2013
- Burgoyne signs
- Burgoyne after the Preliminary Final win
- Burgoyne on Indigenous Exchange with the Hawks
